LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. – Siena is not content with earning ties. For the ninth straight overtime game the Saints have played in a decision was rendered, and for the eighth time Siena would be the team celebrating a sudden death win. Lisa Valenziano’s golden goal in the 97^th minute gave the Saints a thrilling 1-0 overtime win over Binghamton.

 

It’s been three years since the Saints (3-1) have played to a draw as the Green and Gold continue to be clutch when it matters most. In what was an evenly played game throughout it seemed as though the match was fit to be tied, but Valenziano and the Saints would have none of that.

 

Off a corner kick from the right side by Kaitlyn Sharo, Binghamton (3-4) goalie Carrie Martin got a hand on the ball but it deflected right out front to Valenziano who volleyed it in for a memorable first collegiate tally.

 

The golden goal gave the Saints their 10^th straight home win and ran the program’s non-conference home unbeaten streak to 20 games.

 

However Binghamton had a chance to end things late in regulation. In the 83^rd minute, Kailtyn Cook was sent in on a long ball down the middle. Siena keeper Laura Ettinger raced off her line to the top of the box but Cook beat her to the ball. With just the keeper between her and the goal, Cook chipped a shot past Ettinger that appeared to be heading into the goal but at the last moment trickled just wide of the far post as the Saints exhaled.

 

In a physical and at times chippy game, the teams were whistled for 21 fouls and issued two cards. Siena held a slight 14-13 edge in shots for the contest.

 

Ettinger would finished with seven saves to earn her third clean sheet in four matches this season, while her counterpart Martin was also strong between the pipes posting six saves.

 

The Saints return to the pitch next Sunday for a 3 p.m. kickoff at Central Connecticut State.